Greetings Friends!

This is one of my favorite projects, and I know you're going to like it too! I'm all about finding new ways to use what I have around the house. I'm not really a hoarder, but I hang on to a lot of things that I think might have potential - someday. This earring holder is a perfect example of turning forgotten items into something special.

For a long time I had the idea about making some sort of holder for all of the earrings that I have.using a picture frame. Writing an article for the Craftsy Blog about different ways that you can display your crochet work gave me a chance to do some experimenting. I tried wrapping string around cardboard and sliding it in a frame, but it didn't have the look I wanted. Eventually I stumbled across a piece of crochet lace. It actually is one of my early pieces of thread work that I had abandoned. A mistake in the border made it unusable for it's original purpose - a pillow top. But, when I held the lace together with one of the old frames I knew I was on to something. The glass was missing and the finish flaking off, but it had an undeniable charm.

It really was easy to put together. I found a piece of fabric (actually an old skirt) that matched the lace. I wrapped it around a piece of cardboard I cut to fit inside the frame. Then I stretched the lace over the fabric and laid it inside the frame. It fit nice and snuggly. 

The front looked perfect, but the back was a big mess. No one will ever see it, but things like that really bother me! I secured everything with packing tape. Then I cut a piece of cardboard from a cereal box to cover the back. I used craft adhesive (a super strong epoxy like glue) to attach the cardboard to the frame. I clamped it all together and let it dry overnight.

Now I have a lovely place to display all of my earrings. 

One of my favorite things about making jewelry is having pieces that match or complement pretty much everything in my wardrobe! My shabby chic lace holder now proudly sits on top of my bureau making all my earrings easy to see. Now the hard part is deciding what pair I want to wear!


Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch with Love!

Greetings Friends!

Welcome to the Christmas season! Now that Thanksgiving (in the US) is only a few weeks away we are feeling it in earnest.  In this (sometimes) overly politically correct world I often feel afraid to say the "C" word! Since I work with the public, I'm conditioned to say, "Happy Holidays" and "Enjoy the Season"! So boy am I excited to have the opportunity to shout it out loud in today's post about Edie Eckman's new book Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree. Rest assured you'll find projects that cross over and would be appropriate in any holiday home, but for the most part this one is about decking the halls for the big day - December 25!

Edie is one of my favorite designers. I've come to rely on her books for their bounty of information and consistent quality.  This collection does not disappoint. Although there are only 18 patterns, they lend themselves to being made with different yarns in various colors for unlimited versions of the original. This is a pattern book - not a how to book, and while the lesser known stitches are clearly explained, a basic knowledge of crochet is needed.  

The Hearth section features 9 unique stocking patterns. It is my experience that many crocheters underestimate their skill level and shy away from anything not labeled "beginner". The small size of these projects offers a great opportunity to be bold and try something new!  The Peppermint Pinstripes Stocking has the look of complex colorwork and is actually made using just the single crochet and chain stitch!  The Flame Stitch Stocking is intriguing and looks quite complicated, but according to the instructions it is, "easy to learn and works up in a snap!" 

I always like to try at least one pattern from a book I'm reviewing.  This time I made a few!  I started with one of the mini mittens from the Advent Garland.  This is such a fun pattern.  Mini mittens and stockings to count down the days to Christmas! I found it easy to follow and an excellent way to use bits and scraps of leftover yarn.

Next I made snowflakes.  There are several to choose from.  Some are made with thread and others with yarn. This is another example of the flexibility of the patterns.  I love to make snowflakes and then stiffen them with glue. I use them as ornaments for the tree, to decorate gifts, or include them with cards.  Charts are included with all of the snowflakes, as well as with many other patterns.  

Finally I made the Small Angel Ornament. Although the pattern calls for 2 strands of extra fine merino held together I opted for thread. As you can see, she came out just fine.  A wee bit smaller, but lovely just the same.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch with Love!

Do you have trouble deciding on big projects? Once you decide do you second guess your decision?  I have wildly grand ambitions, and I know what I like when I see someone else’s work, yet somehow I get lost when I'm trying to do my own thing. My blanket project is the perfect example of this condition.  I have been in love with the Groovyghan since the first time I saw it, but when it came time for me to make my own I just couldn't do it. (You can read about in Tale of the Groovyghan.)

Realizing I need a new plan I did what I always do and hit the books. 100 Colorful Ripple Stitches to Crochet seemed to hold the answer - or at least offered a place to start!   It’s almost overwhelming looking through all those designs.  The smallest change to a stitch pattern can alter the entire look.  Introduce color and you add another layer of options to the project!  Talk about confusing!! I have a box of 9 bright colors of yarn - how am I ever going to decide what pattern to use?!

Before committing to an entire blanket I wanted to make sure that I 1) enjoyed working the pattern and 2) was happy with the density and body of the fabric. After narrowing it down to these three choices I decided on Roman Blinds.  Using just one color I made a good sized swatch. It passed the first test. I could imagine spending hours with it. The second test was a moderate success. It was a little stiff, but looked like it would be nice and warm.

Next I had to decide what to do with all those colors.  Creating a striping pattern is not easy! It takes a lot of effort to come up with a design that is visually appealing. Again the options are vast! The only thing I knew for sure was I didn't want to repeat colors in the same order. When I was writing the Granny Square Project I came across the Random Stripe Generator.  It's free and super cool.  You select the colors that you're using, enter the total number of rows and viola the program generates an image and a list. If you want to see another option, just refresh the page. It lets you see how colors work together and how incredibly different something can look depending on what color goes where.  I really encourage you to check it out. Even if you don't need it now, it's a terrific resource that will come in handy someday - plus it's fun to play with!  Of course you know it took forever for me to decide on the perfect sequence!  I started with 10, narrowed it down to 3 and finally made my choice. Yeah, it's that way for everything!

Alright, now I've got the stitch pattern and the color pattern. I'm ready to make myself the most awesome blanket ever! I worked 3 rows and knew I made a mistake. I am not in love. Not only am I having reservations about the colors and the drape of the fabric, I don't know how I'm going to put a border on the ripple without it being a major pain - and I really want a border! What am I going to do?!? Honestly I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever turn all this yarn into a blanket.  I know it has the potential to be spectacular, but I can't quite get it together.  

I'm not ready to give up. I poked around on the internet seeing what Pinterest and Ravelry had to offer. I kept gravitating to granny squares and granny stripes. Since I know that I will never complete a full sized blanket of squares I decided that maybe I should try a basic straight granny stripe. I spent so much time deciding on the random color pattern maybe the simplicity of this classic design is what I need.  With 9 bright hues a complicated stitch pattern might get lost and the whole thing could easily end up looking like "eeeww" instead of "aaaahhh"!

The decision made (again!) I devoted quite a few hours to getting started. The crochet work is truly effortless making it excellent for night time and when I'm concentrating on important things like what is going to happen next on Sons of Anarchy!  Of course after just a few rows I started to second guess (again!) my decisions about the color pattern and working singles rows of color instead of 2 rows of each for a stripier stripe. Aargh!!

This is my problem.  This indecision that thwarts my progress on big projects. It is one of the reasons that I stick with the small stuff.  I struggle to have faith in my choices and the patience to let things come together.  I think it's my inner child.  That part of me that wants to be done NOW! This is when I have to remind myself why I crochet. I like making things with yarn, and it is as much about doing as it is about the finished product. Maybe even more.

Writing today's post has helped me to remember some other important things about crochet. Things  like:

• It's okay to change your mind.
• If you are going to take on a big project be sure that working on it makes you happy.  Don't commit to hundreds of rows of Back Post Double Crochet if the stitch still feels awkward - even after you get the hang of it!
• Relax and enjoy the time spent making.
• Don't be so critical!!  Whatever this turns out to be it's going to be great because: 
  a) you did it!
  b) you love the colors!
  c) you love the yarn!
  d) there is no wrong when you're making art (yes, I think crochet is art)!

Of course it's an entirely different story if you're working under contract or have to meet someone elses guidelines!  But if you're not, don't let the fun and joy of your favorite activity get lost!

I'm ready. I've finished 23 rows. I don't know what it will look like when it's done, but that's okay. It will be as unique as I am and just as warm and snuggly!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Hi there,

I miss blogging. I don't know what happened. All that time ago it started out as a way to keep track of my crochet and other crafty adventures.  I never stuck to a strict schedule - it rubs against my creative side in a rough, chafing kind of way.  But I did post way more often than I do now.  The focus shifted too.  It stopped being about me and started being about you.  Don't misunderstand - I love you and I love sharing new books and giving things away. I just want to do more than that.  So what's the problem?  See here's where it gets muddy, because I'm not sure what the problem is. Part of it is wanting every post to be interesting and done to the best of my ability. I get hung up on the little details.  Another piece is time management and yet another is my desire to make things instead of writing about making things!! Oh and of course there is that part that is my family, my work and all the other things (that don't involve yarn} I want and need to do each day!!

So where does that leave me? Well, I haven't completely  decided.  I do know I want to keep blogging.  Like all of my creative endeavors, the blog is meant to be fun and to ebb and flow with me. Instead of worrying about what comes next, how about I tell you about this afghan/throw I'm trying to make?

Ever since I saw the Groovyghan by Tracy St.John I wanted to make one. Out of cotton. In lots of bright colors. This has been my dream project for at least 2 years. Eventually I got the funds together for the yarn. I had my pattern and hook ready when it arrived and anxiously jumped right in. After making two of each square I knew I was in trouble. I like making squares - but I don't LOVE it. And I despise sewing them together. CRAP! I knew going in that it would be a challenge, but my confidence was pumped up on psychedelic rainbows! The brilliant colors and promise of comfy, cotton snuggling would see me through! Want to know what happened next? I put that nice big box of yarn right in front of my chair in the living room, threw a towel over it and I've been using it as a table ever since!! I don't know if I'm relieved or embarrassed by this admission, but there it is. Everyday it is a reminder of my thwarted grand ambition.  I've tried a few times to get another square going, but I can't muster the enthusiasm. As much as I admire the Groovyghan and would love to have one of my own, it's clear that is not going to happen.

Now what am I going to do with the big box of yarn?

Happily I may have discovered the answer.  I'll tell you about it soon!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends!

Let's talk about socks. Generally speaking we don't give them much thought.  Lot's of people wear the same style every day. I am a white cotton gym sock.  My husband is a wool boot sock and my son is a black cotton dress sock. We are dedicated to our styles and because of our commitment it is the one thing we don't have to worry about when getting dressed each morning (hooray!). So while consistency does have it's advantages, I'll openly admit that it is boring (boo!). 

Hand knit socks however, are not.  The assortment of specialty yarns geared specifically for our feet are fabulous! You can find bright colors, light colors, self striping, ombre, jacquards, fair isle, heathered, and sparkles. Hand spun, hand dyed and hand painted in nearly any fiber or combination of fibers you can name! Then of course there are the patterns. On Ravelry alone there are nearly 30,000 matches for the search "knit socks"! Wow!

It only makes sense that there are a variety of different techniques for turning yarn into fashionable footwear. Like all things in knitting, one way is not better than the other, or the "right" way to do it. It all comes down to what works best for you and the sock you're making!

There is one more technique that I've come across.  The magic loop uses just one long (40 inch) circular needle.  In fact, there is even a way to knit two socks at the same time using this method!  When I first started knitting I thought that might be easier for a beginner.  You know, get them both done at the same time and then you don't have to worry about the dreaded second sock syndrome.  Turns out I was wrong. I didn't know enough about the basics of sock construction and I wasn't confident enough in my skills to be sliding stitches around and pulling needles from one side to the other! It was a disastrous undertaking that ended with some choice words and a knotted mess of yarn. I haven't given up on the magic loop, and I still think there is wisdom in the two at once philosophy, especially for someone like me who has a hard time finishing all the things I start!

I'm not sure which of these I'll finish first. I've been plugging away at all of them everyday.  I like having a variety of different projects all set and at the ready.  Plus socks are great on the go. I can toss any one of them in my bag and not worry about having a pattern or keeping track of where I am on a chart. 

Did you have any idea that there were so many ways to make socks?  And we didn't even talk about the actual construction techniques (like top-down, toe-up and flat) or the many kinds of heels and toes you can make! With such a variety of options it's understandable why knitting socks is so popular.  There really is something for everyone. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings!
It's a well established fact that I have crafting ADD.  I am physically unable to to work on one project at a time.  I don't think that I have ever finished anything without starting something new or spending time with a WIP.  It's fine with me.  It works.  My husband doesn't understand - just like he doesn't understand why I insist on leaving the house at the very last minute - no matter where I'm going (I'm not usually late, but I am never early!)

As I was gathering the pictures for this post it dawned on me that my insatiable desire to try new things is  actually good for me.  Every time a publisher sends me a book to review it's an opportunity to feed my need.  What I mean is ... if I were to only work on one thing at a time from start to finish it would take me ages to prepare for a review.  Working on multiple projects at the same time lets me get a feel for the patterns and in turn the books much more quickly while at the same time stimulating my creative serotonin.  It's my happy way of multitasking!  

Let me show you what I'm working on today: A basic ankle sock from Happy Feet, a book devoted totally to tootsies!  I'm giving the two circ method  a try and hoping that I have finally found the right project for this pretty yarn I won from Danielle at A Stash Addict well over two years ago (more about that later!)

Next up is a little knit pear pincushion from 50 Pincushions to Knit & Crochet. It's my first attempt at knitting something small and round(ish). My initial impression: crocheting small round things is way easier!

And to wrap it up for today it's the Triangle Tulip Shawl from Lovely Knitted Lace. I'm quite pleased with my progress on what the book describes as a "perfect pattern for beginners". The first pattern I tried was a scarf using the yarn from A Stash Addict.  Turns out I'm not quite ready for knitting nupps with skinny yarn and tiny needles!!

Of course there are more, but we can talk about those another time!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Howdy Folks!

Working on multiple projects simultaneously makes me happy.  It keeps me from getting bored.  Plus it generally ensures that I have something that I want to work on handy.  Mostly these days I've been doing a lot of knitting.  The one problem that I have with knitting is that I can't do it when I'm tired.  Well I can, but I'm prone to making mistakes.  And fixing mistakes in knitting is way harder than it is in crochet. I've learned that it's better to set it aside than try to squeeze out one more row.

This is the Reflections Doily.  I found the pattern in the June 2013 issue of Crochet World magazine.  It struck my fancy because I had recently purchased a ball of Aunt Lydia's crochet thread in Monet.  It's not often that I actually have the exact yarn (or thread) that a pattern calls for on hand.  Being a fan of crochet lace and doilies in general it seemed like destiny.

I started with a flourish, but quickly  lost motivation.  If memory serves, and history repeats - I got bored.  The majority of this project is a simple V-stitch (dc, ch 3, dc).  And so, like many other projects it was stashed on a shelf and pretty much forgotten. For months it languished, until last week.  I needed something that I could pick up and put down without a lot of hassle.  Turns out that this is just that kind of project.  It also fits well in my travel bag.  We'll see how long I stick with it!  For right now though it's my "in between" project and any progress I make is a good thing!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Additional fuel for my short attention span is my love of books.  Pattern books to be specific.  Not only do I receive terrific titles in the mail for review, but working at the library I can not resist browsing the catalog and borrowing anything - make that everything - that strikes my fancy! That's where I came across this quick and interesting project. In One-Skein Wonders; 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites I found Knitted Coasters with Charms.  I thought that it would be a great way to combine John's beading with my knitting.

This is just a peek at one of the many projects that's been keeping me busy.  I've been doing a whole lot of crafting, and not very much blogging.  Time to get back in swing!  I used to wonder what I was going to write about, not any more! I've got plenty of finished projects, works in progress plus don't forget the books to review and giveaway.  I think you're going to be seeing a lot of me!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings!

Being a new(ish) knitter, there are plenty of things that I'm still learning.  Binding off (or casting off if you prefer) is one of those things.  I've learned how to do a traditional bind off - where you knit (or purl) a stitch, then pass one over and drop the stitch off the needle.  For some reason though, my bind offs are always  loose.  I've tried using smaller needles, but I still can't get it just right. It's a challenge because not only are my edges ending up floppy, I can never tell how big my item is going to be when I'm finished.

When I crochet I don't have any of this trouble.  I can see just what size my item is going to be, and I know exactly what my finished edge is going to look like.  It's comforting.  With knitting it's more of a leap of faith!  Here's the thing.  I really enjoy knitting and I know that with practice I'll improve, but I needed a plan!

If you've been here before, you know that I'm all about trying new things.  I figured that maybe a different binding off technique would give me the finish I was looking for.  I remembered downloading a free ebook from Knitting Daily that had to have the answer.  (If you're not familiar with Knitting Daily I urge you to check them out. The have a bounty of free ebooks available - on all kinds of topics!)

That's where I found the sewn bind off.  The book says that it creates a very elastic edge that is ropy in appearance, much like a purl row. Perfect the cowl that I was making as a Christmas present!

On another note, I'd like to thank all of you who participate in my giveaways.  I'm blessed to receive review copies from various publishers and they are kind enough to provide me with copies to share with you.  Giving books (and other goodies) away is such a great feeling.  I love reading your comments and getting to know you through Facebook, your blogs, Etsy shops and all the other ways we connect!  I hope that you'll come back and visit again - I've got several amazing new titles that I know you're going to love!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!

Greetings Friends!

It's been a while since we've gotten together.  Don't think that I've been slacking!  I've actually got so many things in the works right now that I struggle to keep a healthy balance.  Since my last post and giveaway I'm excited to report that I've acquired some great new books and accessories to share with you.  So let's get right down to business and talk about the Stitch Red series and the newest book: Crochet Red.

The Stitch Red series of books are the brain-child of Jimmy Beans Wool co-founder Laura Zander.  Their designed to promote awareness and support for women and heart disease. Today heart disease is the number one killer of women and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. Wow! The good news is that we can change! Information gives us knowledge and that makes us powerful!  Beautiful projects are coupled with personal stories from the designers, tips for healthy living and even enticing recipes.  On top of that, a portion of the proceeds go to The Heart Truth® and women's heart health education and research.

When the publisher asked my if I was interested in reviewing a copy I didn't hesitate to say yes.  While the women in my family have been fortunate,  in 2012 my husband at the tender young age of 50 suffered a major heart attack.  Thanks to the amazing medical professionals and the technology available he's made a tremendous recovery.  He's got a pacemaker that helps his damaged heart beat strong and steady and we're both now non-smokers after more than 30 years!

Our family has made lots of changes and as devastating as the whole ordeal has been we appreciate each other more, let the little things slide and enjoy every single moment we have together. Things I'm sad to say we didn't always do before.

During those difficult times going in and out of the hospital, crocheting was my serenity.  I was too distracted to concentrate on books and reading, but the easy rhythm of hook and yarn helped to keep me calm and let time pass without counting every minute. I continue to find peace and relaxation with my yarn, and a project bag is always with me just in case!

Now, about the book... Crochet Red is an attractive, nicely laid out collection.  The book is divided into 3 primary sections.  Following the introductions by both Deborah Norville and Vanna White we have: Projects & Profiles, Heart-Healthy Living, and Crochet Know-How. There are a variety of projects, and while a complete novice may need a little guidance, there seems to be a little something for everyone. There are bigger items, like the Peplum Jacket by Kathy Merrick with it's flattering shaping and detailed stitching at the waist and small fun items like the Heart Sachet (that I chose to make) by Kristin Nicholas.  The patterns are clearly written and easy to follow.  I did run into a little trouble making the heart sachet, but I think that was more due to being tired than any problem with the pattern!!  I am a fan of charts as a means to enhance a written pattern, but I was able to get by without them and I think the end result is just lovely!! The photography is wonderful with multiple images from different angles including close ups of stitch details. I found this helpful (in the absence of charts) to make sure that I was following the pattern correctly.

As a book and reading geek I especially like this book as the profiles of the designers and details about the patterns add insight and feelings that we don't always see in pattern collections.  I'm always interested in what inspires a design and like to understand how it came into being.

If you've read my reviews in the past, you know that I have a pet peeve about book bindings.  I'm pleased to report that while this is a paperback with a glued binding, it easily stayed opened to the right page!!  

Crochet Red Prize Package

I'm really excited to have this red themed prize package for you.  All of the pieces just seemed to come together and I think it may be one of the best giveaways yet!!  Here's what you'll win:  A copy of the book (from the folks at Sixth&Spring Books); A pair of my favorite stork scissors; A key chain made from heart sachet pattern in the book embellished with beaded charms; A set of hand crafted stitch markers from our shop Nirvana Designs with easy open lever backs (that could even make cute earrings!!); and finally a red crochet hook.  WOW!! It's free, easy and open to EVERYONE!! If I can send it to you through the US post office - you can enter!! 

Well folks - I hope you're all as excited about this one as I am!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!